Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I have one space left for the Halloween Quilt block swap.. who will be the first one to send me and email :)

This is the third year that I have hosted this swap and I love every block that I have received. We have some repeat block makers and we also have a few new ones in the mix. It will be so much fun to see all the wonderful creative blocks come in!! ..... So don't wait.. only one spot left!!! HURRY HURRY SIGN UP NOW!!! First one to email gets the slot ;) Thanks!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

I really must get up for the computer.. I have at least started my favorite chore LAUNDRY.. NOT!! LOL I thought I would show you the Annie that I made for a sweet little two year old. I have a screen saver on my computer at work of Annies that have been made in swaps. One of the girls asked do you make Annies.... Why???? What do all of you think?? Of course I make Annies.. She then asked if I would make one for her little girl. I told her I would have to paint on the face. I usually use buttons and hand-stitching but I wanted the dolly to be safe for her little tot... Well ladies here is what I came up with :)

Another completed project this week :)

A Patch work / Stitchery Tote

I don't know why it took me so long to complete this project.. it was all done...

but the small opening in the lining.

Yeah another UFO completed.. I have two Annies I might work on today also.. I should be able to get them done.. They just need clothing!!

Did you know that you can save a copy of your blog template? I knew that :) but I had not saved mine...since all the new changes on blogger. You can be rest assured I now have a copy of both the new APP blog and Pins and Needles in case I have issues with the site again.
Speaking of issues.. thank you everyone for all your sweet comments and emails regarding my blogs.
I really appreciate all your kind support!!
I was just heart sick thinking I lost the blogs!!!
Hugs from M and Pitty

How do you save a copy??? Go to your design tab and click on it... then you need to click on edit html... from there.... there is a box that asks if you want to save a copy before you edit... just click on that button and it will save a copy of your blog to your computer!! I will have to remember to try and back up more than every year or so now!!

If you have not already saved a copy of your blog run over and do it now!!!! Don't spend hours like I did yesterday fixing my blog...

Your photos and other items might shift around but most of your content is still there ;) All of the blog posts are there.. I am referring to the the side bars... when I say the photos will shift around.. Better to have items switched around than lost all together!!

My sweet internet friend Carmen has consented to me to using one of her awesome Grimmy Photos to use here on this post. PLEASE PLEASE do not save!!! This artist makes a living for her family, by making these wonderful handcrafted items. If your interested in her paintings or handcrafted dolls please click on the link and check out her web blog! Link under photo!

Now that I am getting some interest in this block swap here are the rules...A. UNFINISHED 12 ½ inch blocks using 100 % quality Cotton.B. Halloween colors up to you and each block can use different fabrics (same theme though).C. You will need to pick a theme. Only one theme for the group. If I have too many of the same theme I will request you to choose another one ;) Or I will suggest one to you :) Please look to see what has already been spoken for in group and choose another fun theme.D. I have chosen " Unk I will have to think on this one ;) ”E. Exp: I will make 12 UNK finished blocks (same theme)... size 12 ½ inches using any Halloween fabrics I wish.F. You may use any technique you want, some ideas; pieced, paper piece, applique, embroidery, fusing, whatever makes you comfortable. You can also send embellishments for the finished block. Do not add these, you have to quilt your quilt.. so please put the embellishments in a zip lock baggie.G. Some ideas; Ghosts, Witch Hats, Black Cats, Frankies, Spooky Houses, Witch shoes, monsters..... The list could go on and on.H.SIGN your THEMED blocks on the FRONT any way you would like, I will have to write because I do not have a machine that can embroider.
Example:
AuntPittyPat
Oz, Kansas
That’s, all you need to do any more is fine and up to you.

3. I am trying to stay away from traditional blocks, I want this to be an “out of your box” swap.
4. Blocks areDUE not mailed... by DUE Aug 20th, you only have about three months to work on your blocks. That way you will have time to put you quilt together prior to Halloween!
5. US residents can send their blocks to me any way they want but they MUSTgo back to you in your self address stamped Flat Rate Priority Envelope, it is 4.95. Your postal inspector will know what a Flat Rate Priority Envelope is, so no worries. No Bar Code for shipping.. this is not accepted at my post office .. it MUST be a stamp!
International participants, we can talk about shipping later. Most of my International participants pay via Pay Pal after I get the total due for return postage :)
In order to join YOU MUST E-mail me @auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com
Please email to the above email account.

Please email the following:
Your full name
Address
Email
Blog link
Phone Number
And your Halloween theme (MUST be included) This is a first come first serve basis on the theme, so do not wait to long!!
I know this is a lot of information; I am always here to answer any questions.
I look forward to another wonderful fun Halloween Block swap!

I was thinking about dinners at home when I was young. I loved them that was the time we all sat down to a good home cooked meal, made by the step-monster. I loved her cooking then and I still love it now!!! The dinner conversations were always interesting and fun. I guess you could say the thing I loved most about dinner at home was .... after the meal we all helped by clearing the table. Then we sat down to a great desert. My favorite were these little ice-cream sundaes that step-monster made. She would put vanilla ice-cream, coconut, hot fudge, nuts in alternating layers in the bottom of one of those little grey Tupperware cups. Of course the top always received an extra dollop of hot fudge. These were the best Sundays in the world!! You just lived for the next time she would make these! Or you waited with great excitement for her homemade cheesecake... I will only eat hers and it has to be frozen like a rock... No softy stuff for me!! Step-monsters little sundae cups were used for a lot of deserts. Another dessert using these little parfait cups was a Jello dessert. When the jello set up it looked like she spent hours making it. Jello on the bottom foam on the top in a graduation of layers as the jello settled in the cups. See below for RECIPE...We knew that she didn't spend hours and hours making this dessert, but it was so fun to look at and eat. LOL yes that was back when I actually ate jello and puddings... I can't tolerate them now..... I guess you could say.... I am still spoiled when I have a special dinner .. I still want dessert with it... What about you .. do you have a favorite dessert that you remember as a child???

123 Jello Dessert

How to make it

Pour boiling water into blender. Add gelatin. Cover and blend at low speed until gelatin is completely dissolved, about 30 seconds.

Combine cold water and ice cubes to make 1-1/4 cups. Add to gelatin and stir until ice is partially melted. Then add whipped topping; blend at high speed for 30 seconds.

Pour into dessert glasses. (Slowly!!)

Chill about 30 minutes. Dessert layers as it chills. ( It really does!)

Saturday, May 14, 2011

I thought I would take the time out to post something here on my sweet little ole blog :) I spent yesterday posting items in my Etsy shops, and a little sewing. I finally got all the panel pieces to fit in the front of my partners sewing machine cover. Now time to embellish it before I make the lining. It is understood by the two of us that our swaps were going to be late. Me because I am in a sewing funk and she has moved to another state.

I did work on two Annies also. One is almost completed all I have to do is make its clothing. It is going to a very cute little two year old. That means I had to paint on her face. I have to admit I am not so good in the painting field. It will pass :)

Now your asking what did I do today... I took the neighbor to lunch and he helped my carry creature food into the house. I am unable to carry heavy weight still. Then I spent time sorting and photographing vintage buttons that I listed in my Etsy shop. I also spent several hours sorting out other vintage buttons and patterns. I also looked around for the embellishments for the machine cover. Awee yes I forgot I also surfed the internet for fun free pin-keep patterns ;)

So my weekend wasn't all that eventful... now its time to go back to work tomorrow!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Taste the dust of the road and feel the wind in your face as you travel

with a Kentucky family by wagon trail to the new territory of Kansas in 1854.

Ladies.....I literally could not put this wonderful and enjoyable book down. It is amazing to get a first hand account from one family that made the decision to move west in an unsettled territory. In the book you will find a glimpse, of the hardship that our ancestors went through to make their westward journey. I have went back and read several parts of the book over and over again. Trail of Thread is one of those great books that will grab you by the seat of your pants, and keep you interested until the last page. Then you will beg for more. The main character's name is Deborah in this uniquely written book. I could hardly wait to see what Deborah put in her next letters, sent to those that remained at home back East. Trail of Thread is very easy to follow and not complicated even though there are a lot of characters. Yes ladies this book was a exciting and enjoyable read. I really liked the idea of the letters and not full chapters. This book would be great as a take along book to read while waiting on appointments. You could read a couple of letters close the book.. then come back to it the next appointment. I love it!!! I especially enjoy the parts about making quilts and the patterns that are offered in the book.

I have to order the 2nd and 3rd book in this three part series!!

I know once you read the first book, you will want to read the rest. It's just like the Russell Stovers Chocolates you can't eat just one.. you have to have 2 ...hum maybe 5 who cares.. you can't do just one!

Please run over to Linda's web site and check out other wonderful books offered by this great writer!

Here is a little something extra for you to enjoy from Author Linda Hubalek.

Hello from the Kansas prairie!

I’m pioneer writer Linda Hubalek, stopping by to say “Hello!” here on Aunt Pitty Pat’s websitewhile on my WOW! Book Blog Tour. Because my Trail of Threadbook series weaves stories and quilts together, talking about quilts seemed like a perfect fit for this post.

Quilts have always been part of my life

When I grew up on the farm featured in my Butter in the Wellbook series, the upstairs bedrooms were not heated–except for a floor register in each of the two of the bedrooms that let a little warmth rise up from downstairs. At night us kids would leave the living room which was heated by a propane stove, race upstairs and crawl into our beds that were lined with blanket sheets and heaped with piles of handmade quilts. It was the standard way to keep warm during the winter months. (And in the morning we’d bring our clothes downstairs to dress in front of the stove.)

Almost all of these quilts were made by my great grandmother Kizzie (Hamman) Pieratt, plus a few by her daughter, my grandmother, Irene (Pieratt) Akers. Kizzie was a very prolific quilter, even with eight kids and a farm to run. She made a quilt for each child, grandchild, their spouse, and all her great grandchildren, PLUS hand quilted other people’s quilts as part of their family’s income.

I can’t say I knew the quilt patterns back then; just that they were all different, a combination of leftover fabric for a variety of decades. Several were heavy crazy quilts made from old wool coats. Most of the quilts made during the 1920’s through the 1940’s with popular quilt patterns of the times, and made from feed sack material. There were also a few unusual ones, like my Dad’s quilt made of men’s silk ties.

We called the quilt she made me during the 1950’s “the postage stamp quilt” because it was made of one inch squares of material, (plus she made a matching quilt for my doll bed). The full size quilt has thousands of hand cut and stitched pieces of material in it.

When pondering the theme for my second book series, these old quilts came to mind because I have always planned to write a book about my great grandmother Kizzie. I ended up writing the Trail of Thread series, three books about women settling in the new state of Kansas during the Civil War era, while weaving in twelve quilt patterns within each book.

Instead of writing the books in a story form with dialogue, I have the main character writing a letter to a loved one, describing the life events that were happening to her.

Deborah Pieratt’s letters in the Trail of Threadbook follows her wagon trail journey to the Territory of Kansas in 1854. The second book, Thimble of Soilfeatures Margaret Ralston Kennedy’s letters in her decision to move her family from their safe Ohio home to the unsettling territory in 1855. And the final book, Stitch ofCourage,reveals Maggie Kennedy Pieratt’s letters to her sister, as she grows up and marries James Monroe Pieratt during the Civil War.

As I work on my fourth series, The Kansas Quilter, I’m taking a closer look at the family quilts that my great grandmother Kizzie made during her ninety-seven years.

Would you like to learn more about my writing and how to read my books (available in both book or ebook format)? Please visit my author website at www.LindaHubalek.com. To follow my research and writing on my next series, please sign up for my blogor “like” me on Facebooktoo.

You’ll love the stories of these Kansas pioneer women!

Many thanks from the Kansas prairie….for allowing me to visit with you today!

Linda K. Hubalek

Enter the Giveaway

Want to “hitch your wagon and follow the trail to Kansas” now through my first book? Enter my ebook give-away by leaving a comment below about your favorite quilt, and a randomly picked lucky reader will receive a free Kindle version of Trail of Thread.

Monday, May 9, 2011

I have been receiving some emails wanting to join in on this swap or that swap.. I am very sorry..... at this time I am not holding any swaps... When I hold swaps I leave the announcement open for 2-3 weeks for sign ups... Until the next swap happy sewing ;)

M. and The Pitty

I have removed the popular post section.. I see that is were my followers are getting confused. They are not looking at the title date.. one of the swaps in question was in 2009 :) Sorry about the confusion!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

I am sitting here wondering where did it go??? Your scratching your head and wondering what in the world is APP talking about. I mean where did it go????? ... That statement could mean a number of things from....

Loss of Time

Loss of Energy

Last Slice of Chocolate Cake

The last Chocolate in the box

The Year

A friendship

Your Pay Check

My thing on where did it go is...... my drive to sew and create... I have been in a horrible funk since the FIRST of the year. I can't seem to bring myself to sit down in front of my sewing machine. I have all of theses ideas racing around in my head and I just can't seem to get started. What I can get started is... Picking up the remote control and turning on the TV.....or going to bed early. Last nite I made ... I repeat I made myself sit down in front of the sewing machine. I sewed up two siggy blocks, and one of my handcrafted Pin-keeps I sold in my Etsy shop. I also painted the legs on 8 Annies that I started a couple of weeks ago... The hardest part of making Annies in my opinion is stuffing all the parts... Putting on the hair... that drives me nuts too. After those two tasks have been completed its a breeze.. the fun part is just beginning for me ;)

I still have a few things that have been promised out to family and friends.. I must get started or finished up on all of those projects...

First UFO is getting CJ's Accessory Swap finished.. the machine cover is almost completed.. after that the rest should be a breeze.

Next is attack with vigour my Niece Shelby's Art Bag.. I finally have all the material to complete this project.

I have started two mug rugs that were promised to a girl at work.. she made the Pitty a very cute crochet blankie to use this winter. I am to trade these two mug rugs for it.....

One of the girls a work purchased one of my Annies.

I still need to make my Auntie a walker caddy.. I am such a cad I haven't even done that!!!

I promised her that the first of the year!!

Aggg why do I make all of these promises???

(Says to herself ... everyone loves my sewing)

I need to finish up on my Vampire Annie and my Sisters Red White and Blue Annie.. all they need is Clothes. Then they are both done.. Why can't I sit down to make even those.. they work up fast!!!

What happened to those Quilts that I wanted to make with all the wonderful blocks that I have swapped over the last couple of years.......

Feed back is Welcome on this site :) Cruze around my articles are always having updates added

I know that I have a lot of visitors...... Please leave comments, so I know you liked your visit. Your comments let me know what to write about :) . Besides.... It makes me so happy to read them :) Thank you!!

Awesome Annie Artist!!

My 4th toy has been dropped ;o)

Current Swaps I'm In :)

Share your projects with other followers at One World Sewing :)

Just click the photo it will take you to the Flickr Group :)

2 Are You over ran by fabric scraps?

If your pile of fabric scraps are getting out of hand, but can't seem to throw them away.. and you would like to share them.. please send me an email. I would love to have your bits. Photo from flickr, Sometimes crafter.

I took the pledge

Buy handmade

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Stop These Women are Theifs!!!

BEWARE OF THIS SELLER:

I entered into a Pvt swap with this person and she ripped me off for a lot of time and money. I have tried and tried to get her to make our deal right between us. I had been warned by others about her... but I wanted to form my own opinion. I am sorry I did not listen to them. She has also ripped off other people on Ebay.

Swap Lifters

A. J. What Happened?

Desiree S.

Erin R..

Gabi S.

Irene S.

Samantha L.

You can email me for full names

The SwapDex

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

Venders at the bottom of my blog.. Please take a moment to look at their shops new shop added 10-1

Bone Head Studios :)

Debi Birkin Designs

My sweet friend Debi has opened a new shop.. click on photo to check out her wonderful fun knitting patterns.. she is always adding new patterns ;)

Have you ever gone a Fishin on a Bright Sunny Day????

Bring on the Strippers

I DON'T DO MORNINGS

Fat Chance

My Little Kitty

Aunt Pitty Pat's Apparel

Isn't this just the sweetest little hoodie coat you have ever seen for your fur-kid..This bright and fun coat is lined with thermo fleece to keep your small fur-baby warm on the coldest nights... you can purchase handcrafted items from my Etsy shop just click on my link in my favorites list for easy access to my site.

Sweet Pin Cushions from AuntDaisysCottage

Offering this wonderful handcrafted Pincushions for sale from Home Sweet Home, Noble.... Cathy's Pincushions are 6" X 4" and are firmly filled with ground walnut shells (Commericial Product) and Polyfill. The weight of the ground shells make the Pincushions "Stay Put" and holds pins and needles firmly!!! This seamstress offers very beautiful handcrafted items in her Aunt Daisy's cottage Etsy Shop... please click on picture or on her link in my list of Favorite Etsy sellers to get to her shop quickly.

4 sale Softy Pin Cushions made by me in My Etsy Shop

NO MORE...No No bad dog belly bands

My sweet friend Patrice from DoDaa Doggie Apparel makes these wonderful belly bands for your little boy furkids that like to mark your house..these are wonderful...they are soft and fit just right.. she has designed these bands to last a long time. They are easy to wash and care for.. I own them for my bad boy male Cha hula hula ....Give her items a try if you have a bad boy in your home... just click on my favorite sellers link.. just click her name for easy access to her web page to purchase these well made hand-crafted belly bands..now access her shop by clicking on the above picture :)

Sassy Pet-Wear Chairty Dress

"Paws Parade of Hope" a fund-raiser event that honors our pets for their healing and therapeutic presence in our lives and especially for those battling catastrophic illnesses such as cancer. The cost of each dress is $22.99 and $12.00 goes to Chairty. All proceeds related to this event are split between the Bay Area Humane Society and the Beacon House of Green Bay, WI which is an out-reach organization for people battling cancer. Susan Gee spearheads this charity. If you would like to make donations please send via pay pal to pogo99@roadrunner.com. If you make a charitable contribution. I will then send you the tax i.d# so it can be written off your taxes. Thanks in advance for your contributions to help people suffering from cancer and for the pets who lift their spirits. You can also visit this web site www.sassy-petwear.com or sassy petware on Ebay. Thank you all for taking the time to read this blog post that will help many...Aunt Pitty Pat

Designed by Green jelly

What a cute way to carry your change

Free Pattern by Greenjelly

Sweet little bird slippers

Baby Slippers

Wonderful toddler slipper patterns from greenjelly... aren't these just adorable..I just love them all.. they would look so sweet on any little child...Make them for a baby shower gift...Greenjelly also has hand crafted finished items you can purchase.. inadditon she has other adorable patterns for sale...you can purchase these sweet patterns from greenjelly's etsy shop just click the link on my blog to find her.

A Pattern Designed by GreenJelly

LOL I love this Little Kitty... buy your pattern from GreenJelly

Funky little finger cuffs

Wonderful little fabric rings by Sewsewsuckurtoe

Handcrafted Nesting Doll

Great detail on these little Dolls, any little girl would love these as a gift.. check out Sewsewsuckurtoes site for them

Handcrafted Wallets from Sewsewsuckurtoe

Chirping into spring with these wonderful little wallets

Pillow Cases

I just love these little pillow cases made by sewsewsuckurtoe. This artist sews other wondeful items like sweet little wallets, note book covers, little dolls, and good luck charms.. Almost all of her items are brightly colored and very cheerful. I own several of her sweet items. You can purchase these from her web site...Just click on my link to her Etsy shop. Aren't these sweet as can be?

These wonderful carefree skirts can be made with your choice of fabrics and colors... I can email you photos of fabric samples.. just pick out three fabrics you would like in your skirt and I can make it up for you lickity split :) I would also need a couple of other pieces of information from you .. the waist size, and the length. I am also going to be offering for sale a matching halter top.. just like the ones I wore in the 70's.

Do Daa Doggie Apparel says....

Hum to dress up or down? Lovely little bandanas for your favorite furbaby to wear.

Do-Daa Doggie says we've gone to the dogs :)

Check book Wallet

Belly Bands and Bandanas from Do Daa Doggie Apparel .. for direct access click on single photo

Handcrafted Eco Friendly Purse by Katesy

I just love this elegant little black bag..I wanted to purchase it... but alas it already had a buyer.. Take a moment to look at the attention to detail. This item is fabulous and made from recycled materials... which is what I believe in.. saving Mother Earth one item or fabric at a time...Katey makes so many wonderful upcycled items...I wish I could list them all. Check out her shop and see some of the wonderful items she has for sale..just click on her name on my list of favorite sellers :0)

The Radical Thread Company...by Katsey

Katsey can make you almost anything... this is a custom order from her Etsy Shop ... stop take a look at her faublous items.

Katsey at The Radical Thread Co Made this :)

Dead guy... business card wallet this was another custom order

Items offered by Katesy

Accessories for all your needs

SympleTymes Cloth Art by:Sherrie Nordgren

Sherrie is one of the most talented Doll artisan that I have ever met. I love the sweet faces on her Ann and Andy dolls. Most Prim dolls are scary looking..not Sherries :) Just click on photo to link to the web site where you can purchase the patterns for these wonderful little dolls. Inaddition don't forget to check out Sherrie's blog, just click on Symple Tymes on my list of other interesting reads... you will find Sherrie has lots of fun things to read... so hurry along and don't miss out on the fun of her blog. ;)

Swanky Dog Designs

Little Betty Boop... What a wonderful little dress .. this dress is fabulous.. completely Designed from beginnning and end from Swanky Dog. Not only does Swanky Dog make dog apparel, she makes some awesome Swanky boots from original designs. These great boots can be used for Christmas stockings or just for Decorations. This designer has been featured in magazines in her local area of Washington. Her very sweet apparel is in several boutiques. I have a link to take you straight to her site... Give this seller a look see :0)

Swanky boots

The Purrrrrr-fect boot for your needs

Wonderful little mini Swanky Boot

These boots make wonderful Holiday Stockings

Wonderful Handcrafted aprons for sale

doviesaprons.etsy.com Is right were you can find these exciting aprons for sale. Dovies has some of the best handcrafted aprons around. The color, trims, fabrics are all so fun and functional. Go give her a look .....I am sure you will be glad you did :) My favorite is her recently finished three pie apron. :)

Fabulous Cakes for Sale!!!

Get your yummy handcrafted cakes at Sweet Rebas... Check out this fantastic bakers website if you are in the CA area :) Just click her yummy pictured cake to go to her website :)

Eekoh Aprons .. saving mother earth one apron at a time :)

Hey fellow apron lovers this is Kris... he has a wonderful little green shop on Etsy: its called Eekoh. Kris makes wonderful aprons "I really love the thought of making something that is fun, looks good and at the same time helps the earth. Anything that I can reuse, recycle, to be REBORN" All of these fantastic aprons are cut from upcycled items... so pop over there and check out his wonderful aprons.. Hey girls maybe we could get him into our apron clubs and swaps. I know I would love to have one of these fine aprons :) Kris said this pictured apron, is the first one he made :)